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You’ve never tried cannabis before, but you’re curious to see what it’s all about. More people in the US are trying it these days as legalization is slowly spreading across the country. It’s a new era in cannabis culture where recreational use is becoming more accepted and appreciated in our society. Even so, you may still have some reservations regarding cannabis consumption, and that’s completely understandable. Any time you try something new, you’re going to have questions and concerns.
More than likely, you’ve heard of “the munchies.” If you work hard to control your eating habits, this could be one of the reasons you’ve avoided cannabis for so long. In fact, it may be the only reservation keeping you from diving into the wonderful world of cannabis consumption. If you have a fear of the munchies, we’re here to offer some useful information so you can embark on a cannabis-fueled journey with the knowledge to help you remain in control!
The Munchies Do Not Necessarily Lead to Weight Gain
It may help put your mind at ease to know that even though the munchies are a very real side effect, on average, those who enjoy cannabis products have been found to have a lower body mass index than those who do not partake. While scientists have linked THC to an increase in hunger and appetite, with cravings that usually call for unhealthy foods, weight gain does not appear to be an expected result.
How is it that the munchies don’t lead to extra pounds? It’s possible that chemicals in cannabis interact with your body’s cells in such a way as to slow down the weight-gaining process. It may also be that consumers compensate by watching their diets so that they don’t have to worry as much about the aftermath of the munchies.
Whatever the case may be, you should still exercise caution when consuming products if you are concerned about your eating habits.
How to Keep the Munchies Under Control
There are few different ways to exert control over how much you eat. Start with portion control. Fill a plate or bowl with snacks beforehand and have them at the ready so you aren’t tempted to empty an entire package. You can also create an environment with limited options so that you’re less inclined to snack endlessly. The more difficult it is to access foods you want to avoid, the less likely it will be that you’ll stuff your face.
If you stock fruits and veggies in your kitchen, you can still enjoy eating after consuming cannabis without stressing about weight gain. Not only will this nullify the more worrisome effects of the munchies, but it might also make healthier foods more appealing, which could get you in the habit of eating a cleaner diet.
Staying active is another way to prevent you from reaching for the chips and cookies. After all, the more you sink into the couch, the more likely you are to sink in a few extra Twinkies. There are several ways to keep your mind busy and away from the thought of eating, such as going for a nice stroll, playing video games, or even pumping some iron. All of these activities will be more enjoyable, and they’ll keep you occupied so you won’t think about opening that box of taquitos in the freezer.
Make sure you have plenty of liquids. Keeping a healthy beverage handy could discourage you from snacking more, especially if it’s carbonated. Avoid soda and instead go for something light like naturally flavored sparkling water or ginger ale.
Another trick that could keep you from munching is brushing your teeth because mint-flavored toothpaste will clash with other food flavors. The refreshing taste will also be enhanced to the point where you may not need to entertain your increased appetite with snacks.
If all else fails, experiment with new strains. Believe it or not, there are cannabis products that can help keep your appetite at bay. Look for strains containing high amounts of CBD or THCV so you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without worrying about the munchies. And of course, if you are inexperienced, you can always ask a dispensary employee for recommendations.
Now that you have a few tools to help lessen the threat of munchie madness at your disposal, you can consume with peace of mind.
Sources:
https://inhalemd.com/blog/6-easy-tips-for-controlling-the-munchies/
https://grassdoor.com/blog/how-to-avoid-the-munchies-while-still-getting-awesomely-high/
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-stop-munchies-when-high
Keywords: cannabis culture, recreational use, cannabis consumption, fear of the munchies, cannabis products, healthy snacks, worrying about the munchies, dispensary employee, benefits of cannabis, cbd or thcv